What the judge said

"However, exceptionally, for the last five years you've gone straight.

"Over the years you've broken into commercial premises on 15 occasions and this is your third dwelling burglary, albeit the first was a long time ago.

"I've been told of terrible afflictions that have visited you recently and for that you're entitled to a huge measure of sympathy - it plays a large part in my decision to suspend the sentence.

"On August 7 last year, you drove some distance to a golf club of which you had knowledge and managed to talk your way in and when the official's back was turned you entered private (residential) premises there and helped yourself to a wallet.

"It matters not if it was £400 taken, or as you say £170, it amounts to house burglary.

"I reject the suggestion you went there for old times sake and then thought 'you know what, let's burgle.' "

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CRIME IN NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

The judge said Anthony had resorted to his old ways of thieving and added: "The public is entitled to as much protection from you reverting to type.

"I'm making an exclusion order; that for two years you mustn't enter any premises that is licenced to sell alcohol; pubs, clubs, restaurants, bars or any premises for, or associated with, the playing of any sport, including club houses and sports grounds.

"I do that because I'm satisfied you have an established habit of committing offences in those type of premises and the public is entitled to a break from you, given that the sentence is suspended."

Anthony told the judge, before leaving the dock: "Thank you very much Your Honour, I won't be in trouble again."

What was said in his defence?

Nicola Hunter, mitigating, said: "He used to go to the golf course with his sister, he used to go there for a drink and he was driving around ... and then he reverted to type.

"It wasn't a man going out to conduct a dwelling house burglary, it's not the worst house burglary this court has heard of.

"It wasn't an obvious dwelling and was attached to the golf club and he went behind the bar to where he shouldn't have gone.

"Because of cancer and paralysis down one side, he's no longer licenced to drive and he won't be driving around and stealing wallets in future from golf clubs.

"He regrets what he's done and he's sorry he reverted to type but his life has changed a lot since then.

"He's on benefits and because of his disability he's unable to do unpaid work."